ll. Undergraduate Progress Regulations These regulations apply to all undergraduate students registered in academic year 2010/11 (or in the case of C. General Entrance Requirements, are applying during academic year 2010/11). These regulations shall be understood in conjunction with requirements laid down in the General Regulations and the Examination Conventions of the University, and shall be read together with any examination conventions specific to the relevant degree programme, as approved by the relevant faculty teaching and learning committee. A. The Qualifications and Credit Framework 1. Since academic year 2006/07 undergraduate Bachelors degree programmes have been aligned with the Newcastle University Qualifications and Credit Framework which is available as part of the Quality and Standards Handbook at www.ncl.ac.uk/aqss/qsh/. This Framework sets out the minimum standards for degree programmes; degree programme regulations may exceed these minima. Degree programme structures should be developed in accordance with The Qualifications and Credit Framework. 2. The Newcastle University Qualifications and Credit Framework complies with a national set of reference points for qualifications in Higher Education and, within the European Union, aims for international comparability of awards. 3. The Framework stipulates that undergraduate Bachelors' degrees normally consist of a minimum of 360 credits selected from 3 levels of study: Level 4, Level 5 and Level 6. Integrated Masters degrees consist of a minimum of 480 credits of which at least 120 credits are studied at Level 7. The level of study generally equates to the stages (years) of an undergraduate degree. B. Definitions 4. Where the following terms appear in these regulations, in degree programme regulations or in the University Undergraduate Examination Conventions, they shall have the meanings assigned below: a) Module: A discrete component of a programme of study having stated intended learning outcomes, teaching and learning opportunities designed to achieve those outcomes, and assessment tasks designed to enable students to demonstrate achievement of the outcomes. Modules are allocated credit values and have a defined level; b) Credit level descriptors: A description of the defined levels at which a module is taught. These levels are: a) Level 3; b) Level 4; c) Level 5; d) Level 6 and e) Level 7. Full descriptors can be seen as part of The Qualifications and Credit Framework in the Quality and Standards Handbook; 13
c) Honours degree programme: a 3- or 4-year programme of study consisting of 360 or 480 credits and comprising a number of stages. Each stage consists of 120 credits with the level of modules taken as prescribed in individual degree programme regulations. For a Bachelor s degree, the University s Qualifications and Credit Framework requires a minimum of 90 level 4 (or higher) credits, a minimum of a further 90 level 5 (or higher) credits, and a minimum of a further 90 level 6 (or higher) credits. No more than 40 level 4 credits can be taken beyond Stage 1. Up to 30 level 3 credits can be taken at Stage 1 but not beyond; d) Degree classification: a means of distinguishing between the differences in achievement by individual students of the intended learning outcomes for a degree programme. Only modules studied in Stage 2 and beyond contribute towards the degree classification. Credits for programmes where students intercalate off-campus, normally during their third year, are not generally counted towards degree classification unless this is specified in degree programme regulations. All modules that contribute to the degree classification are referred to as DC (Degree Classification) modules; e) Assessment: A generic term for a set of processes that measure the students achievement of the intended learning outcomes in terms of knowledge acquired, understanding developed, skills gained and attributes demonstrated. These assessments may include written, aural and oral examinations, essays, class tests, other course work, dissertations and practical activity; f) University Common Scale: The scale for the return of marks as set out in Undergraduate and Postgraduate Examination Conventions. The scale defines the range of marks to be given to represent degree classifications, and is designed to ensure consistency and fairness to students across all modules; g) Credit: A quantitative measure of learning effort. The size of a module, measured by reference to student learning time so that for every 10 credits a student is expected to spend 100 hours in a combination of programmed activities, private study and assessment. Credit is normally awarded for the achievement of a set of specified intended learning outcomes; h) Degree programme regulations: the regulations approved by the University for the programme of study for which a student is registered; i) Core module: a module which students must pass, and in which a fail mark may neither be carried (Convention L42) nor compensated (Convention J33) such modules are designated by the board of studies as essential for progression to a further stage of the programme or for study in a further module; j) Compulsory module: a module which a student, registered for a degree programme, is required to study; 14
k) Pre-requisite module: A module that is required to be studied (but not necessarily passed) before undertaking a further module that assumes prior knowledge; l) Non-modular aggregated assessment: assessment having the purpose of assessing a student's cross-modular understanding; m) Higher Education Certificate: the qualification awarded to a candidate on an Honours degree programme who has satisfied the examiners in at least 120 credits worth of study (of which at least 90 are at level 4 or above) and who does not complete the degree programme; n) Higher Education Diploma: the qualification awarded to a candidate on an Honours degree programme who has satisfied the examiners in at least 240 credits worth of study (of which at least 90 credits are at level 5 or above) and who does not complete the degree programme; o) Pass degree: the qualification awarded to a candidate on an Honours degree programme who has satisfied the examiners in at least 300 credits worth of study of which 60 are at level 6, with an average mark of at least 35; p) Part-time student: a student studying a maximum of 60 credits of a degree programme in one academic year; q) Sabbatical office: any office so designated from time to time by Senate and Council. C. General Entrance Requirements 5. All applications for admission to first degree programmes in the University shall be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. 6. The normal minimum entry requirement for undergraduate degree programmes at the University is achievement of three single-award General Certificate of Education Advanced level qualifications, or its equivalent. 7. Before being admitted to an undergraduate degree, diploma or certificate programme, candidates shall: a) satisfy the programme of study entrance requirements for that degree, diploma or certificate and b) satisfy, in the case of applicants whose first language is not English, the required minimum level of English language ability for the programme of study, in accordance with the University s English Language Policy and c) register in accordance with such instructions as the University shall prescribe from time to time and accept the following declaration: I 15
hereby promise to conform to the discipline of the University and to all statutes, regulations and rules in force for the time being in so far as they concern me. 8. Where a candidate does not satisfy the requirements in (6) or (7a) above, an undergraduate selector may nevertheless make a conditional or unconditional offer to that candidate, subject to being satisfied that the candidate is, or will be on achievement of any conditions stipulated in the offer, likely to succeed on the programme of study. Information and advice on the equivalence of international and United Kingdom qualifications can be obtained from the Admissions Team in the Marketing and Communications Directorate. D. Preconditions for an Undergraduate Award 9. Before being eligible for an undergraduate award from the University, a student must: satisfy the General Entrance Requirements of the University, and the entrance requirements relevant to the degree programme; (b) register for, and satisfactorily complete, each stage and its constituent modules; (c) satisfy the examiners as required under the Examination Conventions and the degree programme regulations. E. Patterns of Study Honours Degree Programmes 10. The standard pattern of study and the number of stages for an Honours degree programme shall be as prescribed in The Qualifications and Credit Framework and the relevant programme regulations. Module Specifications 11. Modules shall have a credit value of at least five and no more than 40 credits, and shall have a total credit value that is a multiple of five. Any departure from these norms shall be subject to approval by the relevant faculty teaching and learning committee. 12. Any module taught in both semesters of the undergraduate academic year shall have a credit value of no fewer than five credits in each semester. 13. Modules shall commence at the beginning of the teaching period of a semester, and conclude at the end of the teaching period of a semester; unless approved otherwise by the relevant faculty teaching and learning committee. Approval of Non-standard Patterns of Study 14. A degree programme director may permit a full time Honours degree student to select modules having a total credit value of not less than 50 and 16
not more than 70 in any one semester, provided that such a student registers for modules having a total credit value of 120 in any one stage. However, a degree programme director may also approve exceptional variations to this standard, taking into account the workload implications and on the understanding that the student is fully aware of the consequences. 15. No student may be permitted to register in Semester 2 for a module that is a substitution for a module studied in Semester 1. 16. At the discretion of the degree programme director, a student may be permitted to transfer from full-time to part-time study (or vice versa). This is subject to specific arrangements being agreed by the degree programme director to accommodate the pattern of part-time study. Part-time students will be required to pass each stage of the part-time programme. 17. By General Regulation B12, students may select modules other than those prescribed in their degree programme regulations, subject to permission from the degree programme director. However, such permission shall not override the provisions of General Regulations B9, B10 and B11(registration of module choice) or paragraphs E14, E15 and E16 of these regulations. Any such permission given under this provision shall be reported by the degree programme director to the relevant board of studies and to the relevant faculty teaching and learning committee. F. Degree Programme Regulations Transfer between Degree Programmes 18. Degree programme directors may permit a student to transfer from one stage of a degree programme to the same stage of another degree programme at any time, provided that there is significant overlap (60 credits or more) in the modules previously studied by the student. This permission also applies to transfers between corresponding stages of 3 and 4 year programmes, provided this permission is given before the start of the examination period in Semester 2 of Stage 3. In addition, degree programme regulations may specify, in the case of 4-year programmes, a threshold for entry into the programme at Stage 2, and one for continuation from Stage 3 to stage 4; students not continuing on the 4-year programme are transferred to the corresponding 3-year programme. Such transfers shall be reported to relevant schools and the Student Progress Service. 19. Degree programme directors may permit a student who has satisfied the examiners in all the assessments in a stage of a degree programme to transfer to the same or the subsequent stage of another degree programme at the start of the next academic year. Such permission may be conditional upon a student following specified variations to the degree programme in order, for example, to ensure that: compulsory modules not previously studied are taken; and (b) there is no avoidable repetition of modules studied. 20. The degree programme director may permit a student who has not satisfied the examiners in all the assessments in a stage of a degree programme to transfer to the same stage of another degree programme in 17
that faculty at the start of the next academic year. The degree programme director shall, in exercising this power, consult relevant heads of school and may, on the recommendation of relevant degree programme directors, make permission to transfer conditional upon a student following specified variations to the degree programme. 21. A degree programme director may grant permission to a student transferring under Regulation 20 to repeat modules in which they have failed to satisfy the examiners. The following conditions apply; a) If the total number of credits so repeated is no more than 20, then the student shall be deemed not to have been previously assessed in these modules. b) If the total number of credits so repeated is more than 20, then all previous attempts at these modules will be carried forward. A student permitted to transfer under Regulation F20 to Stage 3 or 4 of another degree programme shall carry forward their performances in the earlier stages of the previous degree programme. G. General Provisions Governing Attendance and Progress Satisfactory Progress 22. The student is required to make satisfactory progress in the relevant programme of study and, during each semester, the student's progress shall be reviewed in all modules by the degree programme director. 23. Failure to make satisfactory progress may be grounds for: (b) (c) further monitoring the progress of the student or requiring the submission of written work in addition to that required by the degree programme regulations; deferral of the student's first attempt at the whole assessment for the module(s) concerned to the August/September resit examinations in the same academic year. Where such a deferral is taken, the student s attempt shall be the second attempt; interruption or termination of the student s programme of study. Evidence of Failure to make Satisfactory Progress 24. Any of the following may constitute failure to make satisfactory progress and all may be taken into account in considering the student's case: (c) failure to attend for interview with the tutor, or other academic staff, as required. (b) failure to attend regularly the programme of study without good cause (see General Regulations A4); failure to perform adequately in work prescribed for the degree programme; 18
(d) (e) (f) failure to submit written work required under the degree programme regulations (whether or not such work counts for assessment purposes) at the required time; failure to attend examinations or to satisfy the examiners in the examinations prescribed; provisional examination results may be used as such evidence; failing to attend English language assessment and attend insessional English language classes as directed by the degree programme director. Procedure for Dealing with Unsatisfactory Progress 25. A student whose progress is considered unsatisfactory by the degree programme director shall be notified in writing of the reasons for this opinion, invited to make a written response and given the opportunity of an interview with the director or nominee. Following this notice and any interview, and taking account of all known circumstances, the degree programme director may: take further action under regulation G23 or (b); (b) take further action under regulation G23 (c) in consultation with Student Progress Service; Grounds for Appeal against Penalties for Unsatisfactory Progress 26. A student appealing against action taken under regulation G25 may do so only in writing to University Concessions Committee within 15 working days of the written notification of the action, specifying one or more of the following grounds: that fresh material evidence is available, which was not available on reasonable enquiry or application at the time of the original decision; (b) Procedural Irregularity; (c) (d) (e) Bias or Prejudice; Excessive or Inappropriate sanction That the decision reached was perverse in that it was one which no reasonable person could have reached on the available evidence. 27. In considering an appeal against a sanction imposed under regulation G25, University Concessions Committee shall have the power to dismiss the student's application without a hearing if it is manifestly ill-founded or there is no reasonably arguable basis for the grounds alleged in the application. 28. No member of University Concessions Committee shall consider a case in which they have previously been involved. 19
29. In conducting business under this regulation, the University Concessions Committee may adopt whatever procedure is appropriate, provided that the express requirements of these regulations or of any relevant University code or procedure are followed. Nb. Notwithstanding any ongoing discussion and correspondence with a student about unsatisfactory progress, the University may be obliged to report to the UK Border Agency any International student who has failed to attend lectures, classes or seminars. The report to the UKBA may necessitate termination of the student s studies at the University under General Regulation T. H Module and Aggregated Assessment 30. There is one final mark for each module but, where module outlines specify, a student may be required to pass specific components of a module in order to be deemed to have passed the module overall. 31. The modes of assessment permitted for each degree programme shall be those specified in the degree programme regulations. The mode(s) of assessment for each module shall be specified in the relevant degree programme handbook. Where the assessment does not take the form of written examinations, rules to be observed by students (for example, in relation to the size, form and submission arrangements for examinable coursework or dissertations, and including rules governing the arrangements for the retention and recall of assessed work) shall be those specified in the degree programme handbook. 32. Modules may: be assessed separately; and/or (b) two or more modules may be aggregated for assessment purposes; and/or (c) a form of non-modular aggregated assessment may be used in combination with the separate assessment of each module and/or the aggregated assessment of groups of modules. 33. Where assessment is aggregated, modules having a total credit value of up to 40 credits may be combined for the purposes of aggregated assessment, unless the relevant faculty teaching and learning committee approves a higher total credit value for aggregation. In all cases where some form of aggregated assessment is used, the relevant degree programme examination conventions shall determine how the aggregated assessment will be used in accordance with the University Regulations, degree programme regulations and University Examination Conventions governing student progress and degree classification. 20
J. Provisions for Interruption of Progress Exclusion for Delayed Progress 34. Any student, whether full-time or part-time, who is two years overdue in passing any stage or (b) Any full-time student who is three years in arrears with progress in the degree programme shall be automatically excluded from further study unless given special permission by the degree programme director. In granting special permission to continue, the degree programme director must consider any quality and accreditation issues relevant to the degree programme in question. Permission for Interruption of Normal Progress 35. Subject to regulation J34 above, the degree programme director may give permission for a student to interrupt normal progress within the degree programme. Resumption of Progress 36. Where a student: (b) (c) initially fails all or part of the assessment relating to a stage of a degree programme but later satisfies the examiners, or interrupts normal progress within a degree programme, or is exempted from attendance and progress requirements under Regulations J42 and J43 below (provision for sabbatical officers) the student shall be entitled to proceed with the programme of study only under the regulations then applicable to the next and remaining stages of the programme. Permission to Repeat Tuition 37. A student who: (b) either fails the assessment relating to a stage wholly or in part; or who is given permission to interrupt normal progress within a degree programme because of compelling medical or personal reasons may be permitted by the degree programme director, subject to the payment of the appropriate tuition fees, to repeat, wholly or in part, the programme of tuition under the degree programme regulations. The degree programme director may not set aside any existing assessments. Assessment Requirements for Students Repeating Tuition after Interruption of Study 38. Any student repeating the programme of tuition shall have assessments set aside, (thereby having assessments for the repeated stage deemed to be the first occasion of assessment), only with the express permission of the University Concessions Committee; and 21
39. Any failure to complete assessments, and any absence from examinations following the point of interruption, shall be set aside on the granting of permission to repeat tuition. 40. Where a student is permitted by the degree programme director to interrupt the programme of study at or after the end of Semester 1 of any stage, and to resume those studies at the beginning of Semester 2 of the same stage in a subsequent academic year, any completed assessments relating to Semester 1 of the stage in question shall be carried forward to the end of that stage. 41. Where a student is permitted by the degree programme director to interrupt the programme of study at any time during a stage and is required to resume those studies at the same point during a subsequent academic year, any assessments completed prior to the withdrawal of the student shall be carried forward to the end of that stage. Note: unless University Concessions Committee has permitted otherwise, assessments for the repeated stage are deemed to be the second or third occasion of assessment, as appropriate. Exemption for Sabbatical Officers 42. A student who holds a sabbatical office shall, during the term of office, be exempt from all requirements to attend, make satisfactory progress, and to attend for tutorial interviews. 43. The period during which a student occupies a sabbatical office shall be discounted in calculating the time elapsed on the degree programme. K. Miscellaneous Provisions Approval of Study at Another Institution 44. A student may be allowed to follow an approved course of study at another institution, in whole or part substitution for one or more stages of the degree programme, in accordance with arrangements for collaborative provision in the relevant degree programme regulations or with the permission of the degree programme director. 45. Where standing arrangements governing study at another institution are specified in degree programme regulations, those regulations and the relevant examination conventions govern how the student's performance is assessed during any such period of study and the manner in which this is to contribute to assessment of the student's overall performance. 46. Where no standing arrangements exist, and a student's period of study at another institution is specifically approved by the degree programme director, the student's performance during this period shall be assessed in accordance with the arrangements approved by the degree programme director in granting permission. Tutors 47. All students are required to see their tutors in order to discuss their progress at the beginning of each semester and at such other times as the 22
degree programme director or the tutor may require. In particular, students may be required to see their tutors during the second semester to discuss their choice of modules for the following academic year. Students shall notify their tutors at the earliest opportunity of any changes in their circumstances material to their studies. L. Inconsistency between the University Regulations and the Degree Programme Regulations 48. In the event of any inconsistency between the University Regulations and the degree programme regulations, the University Regulations shall prevail, unless an express departure from the University Regulations has been approved by the University Teaching and Learning Committee or the Regulations Sub-Committee acting on its behalf, and a statement that the degree programme regulations are to have priority has been incorporated within them. M. Exemptions to these Regulations: MBBS and BDS 49. The MBBS and the BDS programmes are exempt from the requirements of Regulations E, F and H (Patterns of Study, Degree Programme Regulations and Assessment). Alternative arrangements in respect of these programmes are detailed in the degree programme regulations. 23
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